Spurs have won many admirers with their brand of attacking football but their title challenge has stalled in recent weeks and Redknapp is believed to be eyeing new faces to put some impetus back into the squad and bolster their place in the top four.

But he is aware that before he can bring in fresh blood he must trim his playing staff and the forward line has particularly come under the spotlight. The Spurs chief is struggling to find a buyer for Robbie Keane, prompting talk that Crouch could be ushered out of the door.

Sunderland are rumoured to be eyeing Crouch as a replacemet for Darren Bent, but Redknapp said: "I'm especially not looking to sell Crouch. He gives us a different option and I'm a big fan of his."

Redknapp is fielding enquiries for a number of his players and The Sun claims that Aston Villa manager Gerard Houllier has asked about Jermaine Jenas after seeing his approach for Blackpool's Charlie Adam knocked back.